SHARE

Alibaba's Jack Ma gives $3m to Queen Rania Foundation

His foundation makes the donation to promote education in Jordan

(FILES) In this file photo taken on January 18, 2017 Alibaba Group Founder and Executive Chairman Jack Ma speaks during a panel session on the second day of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Chinese e-commerce giant on May 4, 2018 announced a massive 47 percent leap in net profit for the fiscal year 2017/2018. / AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI

SHARE

The Jack Ma Foundation, the charitable organisation of Alibaba’s founder, is donating $3 million to the Queen Rania Foundation for Education and Development, a non-profit group led by the Queen of Jordan to promote education in the Hashemite Kingdom, according to Alizila, a website dedicated to Alibaba news.

“The vision and leadership of Queen Rania Foundation to improve the quality of education for Jordan and the region through its world-class innovative programmes is truly inspiring,” said Yu Xiuhong, the general secretary of the Jack Ma Foundation.

It is estimated that 15 million children across the Middle East and North Africa region are not able to get a formal education because of armed conflicts and displacement, the report said.

The Queen’s office said that the grant reaffirms the close relationship between the two foundations.

“[It also] demonstrates both Ma’s and Queen Rania’s passion for education and the mutual belief in the power of innovative methods and new technology to address global educational challenges,” a statement from the office said.

The Jack Ma Foundation was established in 2014 and leads several initiatives that seek to improve schools and teacher development.

The announcement follows a trip Mr Ma, who used to be an English teacher, made to Jordan this week. While in Jordan, Mr Ma visited Edraak, a free online education platform supported by the Queen’s foundation.

Mr Ma also met with King Abdullah of Jordan on Monday, the official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported. During the meeting, Jordan’s investment climate and incentives were reviewed.